Home News Education, Clean Energy and Water for Communities in Northern Lebanon
In the Akkar Governorate in northern Lebanon, a project implemented by People in Peril Slovakia supported local communities as well as Syrian and Palestinian refugees living in an area facing long-standing economic, social and environmental challenges. Through vocational training, entrepreneurship support and investments in sustainable energy and water infrastructure, the project contributed to strengthening the economic self-reliance and resilience of vulnerable communities.
The project “Providing Quality Education through Comprehensive Vocational Training and Building Sustainable Energy and WASH Infrastructure for Vulnerable Refugee and Lebanese Populations in the Akkar Governorate in Northern Lebanon” was implemented by People in Peril Slovakia in cooperation with International Humanitarian Relief and People in Need Lebanon from October 2023 to October 2024.
One of the project's main areas of focus was creating new livelihood opportunities. A total of 145 participants received training in food processing, accounting, marketing, business management, sustainable water management and the environmentally responsible use of natural resources. The skills and knowledge acquired through the training were intended to help participants develop their own income-generating activities and reduce the economic vulnerability of their households.
The training was complemented by practical support. Graduates received material and start-up packages containing equipment needed to launch their business activities. The project also organised four networking events, providing participants with opportunities to present their products, connect with potential customers, retailers and suppliers, and strengthen their links to local markets.
Support for local farmers was another important component of the project. Through training and practical guidance, farmers gained new knowledge on sustainable agriculture and the more efficient use of natural resources. Particular attention was given to the participation of women, young people and other vulnerable groups, improving their access to knowledge, tools and future income-generating opportunities.
The project also responded to limited access to reliable sources of electricity and water. Two agricultural cooperatives and one educational centre were equipped with solar energy systems, benefiting more than 1,400 people.
Two additional locations – an agricultural cooperative in Chadra and an agricultural innovation centre in Bireh – received filtered rainwater harvesting systems. The collected water can be used for purposes such as processing agricultural products, helping the institutions reduce both financial costs and the use of natural resources.
A cash-for-work approach was also used during the installation of solar energy and rainwater harvesting systems, providing vulnerable members of refugee communities with short-term employment and income. Eleven local refugees participated in the installation activities.
Solar energy and rainwater harvesting systems also provide solutions adapted to local conditions and contribute to a more sustainable use of natural resources.
The project was implemented against the backdrop of a difficult economic and security situation in Lebanon, which required adjustments to some activities during implementation. Despite these challenging conditions, the planned interventions were carried out while responding to the needs of local communities.
The long-term sustainability of the project's results varies depending on their nature. Technical solutions such as solar panels and rainwater harvesting systems have the potential to provide long-term benefits, provided that adequate maintenance is ensured. The lasting impact of the training activities will depend largely on participants' ability to apply their newly acquired knowledge and skills in the country's changing economic and social environment.
Supported by SlovakAid, the project combined vocational training, entrepreneurship support and practical solutions in the areas of energy and water to strengthen the ability of vulnerable communities in northern Lebanon to create new opportunities and respond more effectively to long-term economic and environmental challenges.